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The fact is that these are going to be very much threatened Olympics. Probably more than any we've had in our past, more than Greece, certainly more than London or China, said King, who said he could not give U.S. athletes a 100 percent guarantee that they would be safe in Sochi. Everything is being done by the United States, but the fact is this is a dangerous region in Russia by the north Caucuses. There are active terrorist organizations there, he said. And quite frankly, the Russians have not been cooperating with us or with other countries anywhere near the extent that, for instance, the Greeks or the Chinese or the Brits did, King added.
On its website, the State Department warned U.S. citizens attending the games to remain alert regarding their personal security at all times, adding that major events such as the Olympic Games are a prime opportunity for criminal elements to target tourists. Furthermore, the State Department detailed acts of terrorism, including bombings and hostage taking that continue to occur in Russia, particularly in the North Caucasus region. Additionally, between October 15 December 30, 2013 there were three suicide bombings targeting public transportation in the city of Volgograd, two of which occurred within the same 24-hour period, the State Department said.
Other bombings have occurred at Russian government buildings, airports, hotels, tourist sites, markets, entertainment venues, schools and residential complexes. There have also been large-scale attacks on public transportation including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights, it added. But what about the suggestion to our athletes that they not wear their uniforms outside of the Olympic venues. Has it really come to that that American athletes have to hide the fact that they're American athletes? Karl asked.
Yeah, I think it's an indicator of just how seriously our government takes this, the fact that there are real threats there. And even though Putin talks about the ring of steel around the main Olympic venue, the fact is once you get outside that venue or even going from venue to venue there is real vulnerability, King said. He urged athletes to do everything they're asked to do by the security team, by the State Department, by the FBI, because they may feel safe, they may feel secure, wander off or wear some indicator that they're from the U.S. and just leave themselves open as a target.
Counterterrorism Chair: ?These Are Going To Be Very Much Threatened Olympics? | CNS News
One, Sochi is as safe as the rest of Russia. Secondly, Sochi is pretty unique a place in terms of its geographics, climate, and very uniqueness in Sochi being kind of resort area on the warm sea and in 2 hours and a half you can also do downhill skiing. So, it's wonderful place for Olympics, first, Kislyak said.
According to the State Department, Sochi is located approximately 250 miles from Dagestan. Less than 10 miles to its south, Sochi is bordered by the disputed territory of Abkhazia, which has witnessed its own share of extremist violence. It's not close to war zone. There is no war zone in Russia, Kislyak said in response to Crowleys question about whether it was mistake to hold the Olympics next door to a war zone. Well, it is certainly close where a lot of terrorist activity takes place as recently as last week and the week before. That was my - not an official war zone, you're right, Crowley said. The phenomenon of terrorism is global in nature, Kislyak said. So, wherever you are, you might become a target of a terrorist. But, we do not take it lightly so we have good planning. We have excellent specialists who I have working on it.
He said Russia has a pretty strong team that is working to deny terrorists any chance of success. And I am absolutely sure that we are going to succeed. In 2010, the U.S. designated the Caucasus Emirate (known in Russian as the Imirat Kavkaz or IK) and its head, Doku Umarov, as a terrorist organization, according to the State Department.
In July 2013, Umarov released a video message rescinding prior directions not to attack civilians and calling for attacks on the Winter Olympics in Sochi. The group has previously targeted civilians, including attacks on a ski resort, metro system, high-speed rail, airport, and a theater, as indirect supporters of the government.
Russian Ambassador: ?Sochi Is as Safe as the Rest of Russia? | CNS News
Aussie athletes arriving for the Sochi games were a bit apprehensive about terrorism threats...but reportedly felt a lot safer after seeing US warships in the Black Sea.
Hopefully, if it all goes bad, the US sailors know what an Australian passport looks like and will let the 60 or so Aussie athletes hitch a ride out of the joint.
...as US warships did in WW2, evacuated Aussie POWs who were being tortured to death in Japan and brought them home.
Love those US warships.
The Australian ePassport
))
